Tag: NME

  • On Portobello Road in May 1982, The Clash re-emerged following drummer Topper Headon’s departure. Joe Strummer reflected on his hiatus, seeking personal validation, while the band prepared for a new phase as a trio. Their album “Combat Rock” showcased a…

    Strummer | Why I Ran Out On The Clash
  • The Defects, a Belfast punk band, combines a light-hearted approach with a commitment to their music. Despite their growing fame, they reject the pop star label, favouring authentic punk values over superficial trends. They focus on strong performances, social commentary,…

    The Defects | Carry out Punk . . . On A Stretcher?
  • Infa-Riot, a punk band emerging in the 1980s, blends brash energy with a commitment to anti-racism amidst London’s evolving punk scene. They argue that the current recession fuels genuine punk resurgence, distinguishing themselves from both earlier punks and mainstream pop.…

    Infa-Riot | Still Out Of Order
  • Siouxsie And The Banshees captivated Japanese audiences during their first tour in April 1982, coinciding with the cherry blossoms’ brief bloom. The band’s performances evoked excitement, especially among young female fans, despite the language barrier. Their presence prompted discussions about…

    Siouxsie And The Banshees | In Japan
  • The Bluebells, a Glaswegian pop quintet, blend nostalgia with their jangly guitar sound and harmonies, reminiscent of ’60s music. Their recent demo has attracted attention from record labels, despite initial setbacks with Postcard due to their distinct style. The band…

    The Bluebells | Springtime For Bluebells
  • Echo & the Bunnymen reflect on their success during the early 1980s, pondering their place in the evolving music scene between pop and rock. Despite concerns regarding their relevance, the band embraces their identity, asserting the importance of authentic rock…

    Echo & the Bunnymen | You Can Take A White Rabbit Anywhere
  • The Hoodoo Gurus, led by Dave Faulkner, are significant figures in Australian music, known for their unique blend of pop and rock. Their new album, “Mars Needs Guitars!”, reflects a shift towards more serious themes while maintaining exuberance. Despite challenges…

    The Hoodoo Gurus | Marsupials Bagged
  • The narrative invites a friend into the mystical forest, paralleling the journey of the UK Decay band. For three years, they’ve cultivated a unique sound blending darkness with optimism. Emphasizing individuality over conformity, they challenge societal norms while promoting self-discovery.…

    UK Decay | Luton & Burning
  • The Jam’s farewell concert at Wembley Arena in December 1982 showcased their powerful live energy and emotional depth. Starting with ‘Start!’, the band delivered a non-traditional set highlighting their growth. The performance balanced regret and relief, marking a dignified end…

    The Jam | Gig Review | Wembley Arena 1982
  • The Siouxsie And The Banshees concert at Hammersmith Palais in 1982 concluded with an unexpected silence, contrasting with the band’s intense performance. The review highlights the unique blend of darkness and light in their sound, showcasing Siouxsie’s commanding presence and…

    Siouxsie And The Banshees | Gig Review | Hammersmith Palais 1982
  • The review highlights The Jam’s final single, “Dig The New Breed,” praising its significant evolution from youthful anthems to deeper societal issues. It emphasizes the band’s enduring legacy and style amidst a challenging musical landscape. The review reflects on memorable…

    The Jam | Dig The New Breed | (Polydor) 1982
  • The Sisters of Mercy, emerging amidst the post-punk scene, blend heavy metal with innovative drum machine sounds, presenting a distinct take on rock. They challenge the notion of rock’s irrelevance, delivering powerful performances that provoke varied audience reactions. Their singles…

    The Sisters Of Mercy | Do The Apocalypso
  • Blitz’s debut album “Voice of a Generation” is hailed as a significant punk release, comparable to the Clash’s early work, featuring powerful anthems that resonate with youth anger and societal issues. The band expresses a clear political stance against reactionary…

    Blitz | Voice Of A Generation | (No Future) 1982
  • Chris Bohn discusses Matt Johnson’s solo project, The The, examining the internal conflicts and self-doubts he faces despite his success. Johnson emphasizes the flexibility of his work under The The, his introspective yet uplifting music style, and the challenges of…

    The The | The Definitive Article
  • Aztec Camera | Aztecs Inca Contract At Last | The article discusses Aztec Camera’s transition from Postcard Records to Rough Trade, highlighting their new single “Pillar To Post” and upcoming album “High Land, Hard Rain.” It reflects on the band’s…

    Aztec Camera | Aztecs Inca Contract At Last
  • The Go-Betweens | The Gentle Three-Headed Monster | The Go-Betweens, alongside The Birthday Party and Laughing Clowns, showcase their distinct Australian sound at a London venue. Known for their deceptively understated yet passionately charged music, the band, comprising Grant McLennan,…

    The Go-Betweens | The Gentle Three-Headed Monster
  • The Pastels | Colour Me Pop | The Pastels, discussed in a 1982 NME article, offer a refreshing take on punk, blending lightheartedness with a hint of nostalgia. Fronted by newcomer Stephen McRobbie and cynical guitarist Brian Superstar, their debut…

    The Pastels | Colour Me Pop
  • Lene Lovich | A Slav Unto Herself | Lovich returns to the spotlight after 18 months to star in a musical about Mata Hari, co-written with Les Chappell. Despite past challenges and evolving music trends, she remains a unique voice…

    Lene Lovich | A Slav Unto Herself
  • Siouxsie And The Banshees | Gig Review | Elephant Fayre 1982 | The Elephant Fayre concert by Siouxsie and the Banshees transported fans from the 1977 Punk Festival to a vibrant yet cramped setting, where fervent excitement surged. The band,…

    Siouxsie And The Banshees | Gig Review | Elephant Fayre 1982
  • The Birthday Party | Obsessive, Deadpan, Moribund, Seasick . . . | The Birthday Party, a band known for their chaotic energy, faces significant changes as they lose their drummer, Phill Calvert, and prepare to relocate to Berlin for a…

    The Birthday Party | Obsessive, Deadpan, Moribund, Seasick . . .
  • The Clash | Gig Review | Fair Deal 1982 | The Clash’s performance in July 1982 at Brixton’s Fair Deal showcased their urgent reinvention of punk rock, blending raw energy with political themes. Richard Cook emphasizes their ability to channel…

    The Clash | Gig Review | Brixton Fair Deal 1982